ECB to tap fans at 'Twitter', 'Facebook': Media report

In a unique attempt, the England and Wales Cricket Board has launched official Twitter, Facebook and YouTube channels in an effort to promote the game beyond its normal fanbase in the build-up to the Ashes series, a media report said on Wednesday.

In a unique attempt, the England and Wales Cricket Board has launched official Twitter, Facebook and YouTube channels in an effort to promote the game beyond its normal fanbase in the build-up to the Ashes series, a media report said on Wednesday.

"Twelfth Man, a 'fan community', will act as a focal point for fixtures, ticket information and debate. A 'Twelfth Man van' will tour grounds to record footage of fans to be broadcast online and on big screens," leading British daily 'The Guardian' reported on Wednesday.

"Pete Ackerley, head of development at the ECB, said the sport had learned the lessons of the summer of 2005, when the exploits of Andrew Flintoff, Kevin Pietersen and Michael Vaughan in regaining the Ashes helped the sport achieve a huge boost in popularity before there was a structure in place to fully exploit it," it added.

By setting the tone for a five-year strategic plan, and providing a new direction for a sport in flux, the Board is hoping to redeem its reputation annihilated by their links with disgraced Texan billionaire Sir Allen Stanford.

The ECB will also look to fight the popularity of football by taking advantage of a summer when there are no major international football tournaments and reach a wider audience and encourage newcomers.